Palatability Enhancers

Palatability enhancers, as the name indicates, are used to affect taste, smell and texture of foods to increase their acceptability by companion animals. Palatability is critical for manufacturers to consider when formulating a nutritionally balanced pet food.

Foods for companion animals can be made more palatable through various means, from simple to complex. Sometimes a mere adjustment in acidity is enough to make the difference. Yet, at other times, high-intensity, savory based palatants that utilize meat, marine, cheese and liver based ingredients are used for enhancement purposes. Sensient’s line of palatability enhancers falls right in the middle of this continuum – they can be used either as the sole palatant or in conjunction with meat-based enhancers to provide the best value and palatability to a pet food formulator.

Yeast products form the core of our portfolio of palatability solutions. In addition to providing a non-specific meaty flavor profile, yeast products also enhance general savory and cheesy notes. However, a generic yeast product does not work in all applications. We understand the special requirements of low-ash diets, wet as compared to dry foods, baked biscuit and intermediate moisture treats. In order to maximize the impact of enhancement, Sensient Bio-Ingredients has developed separate brewers’ yeast products for applications in a wide variety of pet food diets, treats and supplements.

All our palatability enhancers are tested for efficacy through controlled feeding studies that measure both first-bite preference as well as total pet-food consumption. All of Sensient yeast products are non-GMO and meet FDA and AAFCO guidelines. Our products are available in different packaging formats. Usage is typically 1-3% of total pet food formula, depending on desired level of palatability.

Our standard line of palatability enhancers include the following:

All-purpose palatants: Yeaco 20, Yeaco 500, and EP 50
Palatants for use in baked biscuits: MYF
Premium feline palatants: Feline Ultra
Super premium palatant: Amberex 610

In addition to our palatants, Sensient also has the capability to create high-impact flavors for use in pet foods and pet treats. Please click here to access our capabilities in this area.

For more information or to order a sample of our palatability enhancers, please contact us.

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